After a key victory over the Adamson Falcons on Wednesday, NU coach Roger Gorayeb expressed his delight with the way his team played as they solidified their hold on the third spot in the current women’s volleyball standings.
“Nung third set, napakahirap nun, ang laki nung hinabol namin parang 16-11 tapos 23-20. Siyempre natuwa ako kasi natuto na sila maghabol,” he mentioned.
Gorayeb, who entered as the Lady Bulldogs’ coach back in the first week of the year, stated his happiness with the team’s change of play under his service. However, he was hesitant in terms of assuring the team’s consistency so far.
“In a way hindi pa rin fluid yung kilos nila pero naiintindihan ko naman sila. It’s been 1 ½ months tapos ganyan na naibabago ko na onti onti yung team. Masaya ako, kaya naman ako napapunta dito kasi sabi nila tulungan ko para masigurado mapasok sa top four,” he stressed.
In addition, he explained, “Andun yung uphill, andun yung downhill na dinaanan namin both sides siyempre bago ako sa kanila, sila bago sakin, sistema nila iba, sistema ko iba, pero at least happy ako.”
Backtracking to their UE match, he told the press that he wanted NU to land the third spot, and a win against UP in their last elimination game solidifies his hopes for their standing.
“I’ll not just be preparing for UP, I’ll be preparing more on the game after UP kasi that’s the most important game for us. Gusto ko mabago laro namin pagpasok namin ng top four kasi mabigat na yung kalaban namin.”
If NU defeats the 4th ranked team in the step ladder, NU will have the task of facing the Lady Spikers, winners of three straight UAAP women’s volleyball titles prior to Ateneo’s championship last year. A match where the Lady Spikers will hold a twice-to-beat disadvantage.
“Paghahandaan ko naman kung sino yung makakacross namin (La Salle). Twice-to-beat sila napakabigat nun. Either way magpe-prepare kasi yung sistema nung team na yun, established na, di katulad ko,” Gorayeb added.
The last game of the elimination round between NU and UP will be held at the FilOil Arena in San Juan on Saturday.
